Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

This Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta is a mouthwatering dish featuring crispy honey pepper chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta—all inspired by the famous panini flavors! With a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, this dish is a must-try for comfort food lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet & Spicy Flavor – A perfect balance of honey, black pepper, and creamy cheese.
• Crispy Chicken – Lightly breaded chicken adds texture and flavor.
• Cheesy & Creamy – A rich, velvety sauce coats every bite of pasta.
• Better Than Takeout – A homemade version of a restaurant classic!
• Customizable – Adjust spice levels, swap cheeses, or add veggies.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter (for pan-frying)

For the Honey Pepper Glaze:

• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Pasta & Cheese Sauce:

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Honey Pepper Glaze

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Bread & Cook the Chicken

• In one bowl, mix flour, panko, black pepper, salt, and paprika.
• In another bowl, whisk egg and milk together.
• Dip chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture.
• Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Toss cooked chicken in the honey pepper glaze and set aside.

4. Make the Cheese Sauce

• In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
• Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, cooking for 2 minutes.
• Lower heat and mix in cheddar cheese, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper, stirring until melted and smooth.

5. Assemble the Dish

• Toss cooked pasta in the cheese sauce until fully coated.
• Top with honey pepper chicken.

6. Serve & Enjoy

• Garnish with green onions and parsley.
• Serve hot and enjoy the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Lighter Version – Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
• Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken for crispy tofu or mushrooms.
• Extra Crunch – Top with crispy fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs.
• Different Cheese – Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze pasta and chicken separately for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of cream or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Toss grilled or rotisserie chicken in the honey pepper glaze.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold the sauce best.

How do I prevent my cheese sauce from clumping?

Use low heat when melting cheese and stir constantly.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

Simmer longer or add ½ tsp cornstarch mixed with water.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the sauce, pasta, and chicken separately and combine before serving.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes! Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for the sauce.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but cooking time will be longer—aim for internal temp of 165°F.

What’s a good side dish for this?

Try it with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a simple side salad.

Can I use honey mustard instead of honey?

Yes! It adds an extra tangy kick to the glaze.

Conclusion

This Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta is the perfect fusion of crispy, sweet-glazed chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special comfort meal, this dish delivers bold flavors that everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy an unforgettable, restaurant-style meal at home!

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